Begins the copy of the first letter of Pope Zosimus in defence of Caelestius against the African bishops.

 

Zosimus to Aurelius and all the bishops established in Africa, the most beloved brothers in the Lord, greetings.

[...] 2. Presbyter Caelestius presented himself to be examined by us in order to purge himself of those accusations that had been unduly brought to the Apostolic See. And although many other concerns, like a great chain of ecclesiastical affairs were distracting our attention and diligence, lest your Brotherhood wait too long for arrival and examination of the above-mentioned, I left aside all other things and sat in the basilica of St Clement. He  was so much imbued with the teaching of such a teacher as the blessed Apostle Peter that he had been correcting the old errors and had achieved such perfection that he sanctified with martyrdom the faith which he learnt and taught . That is why the authority of such a priest in the present case would be an example provoking to the salubrious chastisement. 3. We then discussed all things that had been done, as you will have learnt from the information about the events attached to this letter, and allowing Caelestius to come, we ordered to recite his book (libellus) which he had given us. Not being sure whether these things that he had written he had said from his heart or only with his lips, we were frequently examining them, though only our God to whom are known not only present, but also future thoughts, can make a judgement on the secrets of the soul. What he was saying, we briefly noted to be read by your Sanctity. 4. Only one thing concerns us that when you had there Caelestius present, nothing clear was judged: a report was directed later in response to the letter of Heros and Lazarus. To be sure, it was hastened by the fervour of faith, but it was very prompt. But when he [Caelestius] was interrogated about those things, he asserted that he had never had any discussions with those two already mentioned and had not known them before they wrote about him; that he met Lazarus in passing, and Heros even withdrew his accusation, which had levelled at an absent and unknown to him, with good grace after the satisfaction had been given. 5. This ignorant accusation undoubtedly had so weak, almost non-existent, fundament that the fickle and changeable character of those persons had to be investigated. First, [it has to be verified] if perchance their position and life is such that it justifies giving faith to those absent persons regarding another absent person. Second, if their letters have such a weight that they deserve the authority of a witness. It has been exposed that these unknown foreigners had asserted a claim to the priestly offices in Gaul ignoring the people and against the will of the clergy. They abdicated from these offices by their own decision, and we also, although by another decree, follow their own repentance and confession, and we remove them from any priestly office and communion. Such are the people who brought, in a letter, a case against an  absent person, while he [Caelestius], now present, has confessed the faith and challenged the accusation. For me this is enough [...]

 

 

8. Therefore, we did not take any untimely or premature decision in the present case but only inform your Sanctity that, according to our examination, the faith of Caelestius is faultless. Also the first libellus sent by him to Africa should be a testimony of [his good faith] whereas the unexplored rumours and accusations should not be believed. Therefore, either those who refute that Caelestius truly thinks what he wrote in the letters and in the profession of faith, come here within two months, or your Sanctity recognize that there is no doubt in regard to his declarations which are so clear and explicit.

9. This Caelestius then, and all the bishops who came from various regions has been reminded that entrapping discussions and silly debates which rather destroy than build originate from this contagious curiosity that consists of abusing the written evidence with one's intellect and intemperate eloquence. For such reason even the writings of the great men along with their authors are imperilled, when after the great lapse of miserable time someone interprets them in an arbitrary way. Therefore, it is divinely decreed that "in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin" (Prov 10:19) and holy David rightly ordered to keep the door on the lips (cf. Ps 141 (140), 3).

10. I remind about this, your Mercy, with the authority of the Apostolic See as well as the affection of mutual love. Let our minds be satisfied by the precepts and observations of all the Holy Scriptures which were accepted according the Tradition of the Fathers! What is there that is not abundant, and what is not full of the spirit and words of God, unless one prefers to believe oneself and recur to one's own judgement about oneself?. Given +. Copies made of the acts during the consulate of Honorius August for the eleventh time and Flavius Constantius.

 

(trans. and summary M. Szada)